Hope & Truth Ministry
Be hope, be love, live with truth.
For the wondering, the doubting, the hurting, and the hopeful. For people without a congregation, and for people who have found theirs but want another voice on the road. You are welcome here.
From the lectionary
Recent reflections
Sermons and reflections in keeping with the Revised Common Lectionary. New writing arrives most weeks.
September 19, 2026
Fairness - Matthew 20 - Proper 20A
Reading Jesus's parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) alongside Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 145, and Philippians 1:21-30, this sermon confronts our instinct to measure God's generosity by fairness and tenure. Tony argues that the landowner who pays the last the same as the first reveals the radical nature of grace, which is given freely rather than earned through years of service or effort. Whether the newcomer, the beggar on the corner, or the prisoner who finds God, all receive the same abounding, steadfast love — a gift that calls us to celebration alongside others rather than envy, resentment, or judgment.
September 12, 2026
How Many Times - Matthew 18 - Proper 19A
Drawing on Peter's question of how often we must forgive and Jesus's parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) alongside Psalm 103, Romans 14:1-12, and the reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers (Genesis 50:15-21), this sermon shares that reconciliation and forgiveness are the core of faith rather than an easy exchange of blessings. Tony lifts Jesus's path for confronting wrongs directly and preserving relationship, and argues that forgiving 77 times is finally as much for the self as for others — a letting go of grievance that frees us and leaves judgment to God. Where there is no repentance there is no reconciliation, but in the hurt as much as the blessing, grace opens ways to restore relationship with one another and with God.
August 29, 2026
Be Genuine Love - Romans 12 - Proper 17A
Following Paul's words that "love be genuine" (Romans 12:9-21) alongside Jesus's call to take up the cross (Matthew 16:21-28), this sermon anchors authenticity as the core of love and faith. Memorializing the beautiful, unhidden genuineness of Dolly Parton — in contrast to his own life who once kept a public and a private face, this argues that good intentions never justify bad, impulsive or fearful choices. Fear breeds judgment and cruelty. Genuine love means meeting evil with good actions, good words and "taking up the cross" with our genuine being. Trust that God's steadfast love is meant for you.